If you’re thinking about moving house, having a clear out, or even starting to run a small business, flexible self-storage could be the answer you’re looking for. Simple self store understands that every storage need is different, which is why our flexible and secure units are designed to make the process as straightforward as possible. However, to get the most out of your unit, a little planning can go a long way.
We’ve pulled together our top tips for self storage to help you stay organised, protect your items, and make your storage unit work harder for you.
Start with a clear plan
Before you start to pack your items, take a step back and think about what you want to store.
If you’re storing during a house move, a clear-out, or for business use, you should organise your items into categories early. This will make them much easier to pack later and will make it easier to find things when you need them quickly.
Good tips for self storage always start with organisation, and this starts way before anything goes into a box. Simple self store offers a range of unit sizes, making it easy to choose the right space for your needs from the very beginning.
Check What You Can and Can’t Store
Before moving your items into your unit, it’s always worth checking what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Most storage facilities will have a list of prohibited items, and it’s important to make sure that everything you’re storing follows these guidelines. This typically includes things like hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, or anything illegal. Our team at Simple Self Store is always on hand to help you through these requirements, ensuring a you have a safe and hassle-free storage experience.
Taking a few minutes to double-check that all of your items meet the guidelines means you avoid any issues later on and ensure your unit stays safe.
How to Pack Items for Storage
Packing your items isn’t just about fitting everything into boxes; it’s about protecting your items in the long term.
To ensure your items are as safe as possible, you should:
- Use sturdy, uniform-sized boxes where possible
- Avoid overpacking
- Wrap fragile items individually using bubble wrap or packing paper
- Label every box on every side
When you’re packing items for storage, you should think “stackable and accessible”. The easier your boxes are to handle, the easier your unit will be to manage. We offer a selection of different packing materials at Simple Self Store to help keep your belongings safe and protected from day one.
What Should You Put in Storage First?
One of the best tips for self storage is to fill your unit strategically. If you know there are items that you won’t need anytime soon, start with these first. Seasonal decorations, spare furniture, and seasonal equipment should go in first. Items that you might need to access, like tools, documents, or business stock, should be stored nearer the front and easily accessible.
By using this small step, you will save yourself a lot of time and hassle later on when you’re not digging through lots of boxes to find one item.
How to Organise a Storage Unit
Once you have figured out what order you need to store your items, knowing how to properly organise your unit can save you time, stress, and money.
A few practical tips for self storage are:
- Create a central walkway so you can access items at the back
- Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top
- Use shelving units to keep everything organised
- Group similar items together (kitchen, decorations, clothing, etc)
Your unit is essentially a mini warehouse, and the more structures and organised it is, the more useful it becomes.
How to Store Furniture in Storage
Furniture can be one of the things that takes up the most space in your unit, so storing it correctly is essential.
Some essential self storage tips for furniture:
- Disassemble items like beds and tables where possible to limit the amount of space they take up
- Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped to the item
- Cover furniture with protective sheets
- Store mattresses upright against the wall to save space
When storing furniture, the 2 key things to think about are protection and space-saving.
Don’t Just Store It, Manage It
Once your items are in storage, it can be tempting to shut the door and forget about them. But one of the most valuable tips on using self storage is to stay on top of your unit.
Visiting your unit often can help you stay organised, spot any issues early and ensures things aren’t getting cluttered or forgotten. A quick check-in every so often can make a huge difference. We offer convenient access to your unit at Simple Self Store every day from 9am to 9pm, with secure app-based entry, meaning that checking on your storage has never been easier or more flexible
Keep Your Details Up to Date
Another thing a lot of people tend to forget is keeping their details up to date. It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked. If anything changes from your email, phone number or address, keeping this current and up to date ensures you never miss any important updates about your unit.
Review What You’re Storing
Over time, the items that you need to store can change. One of the most practical tips for self storage to make the most out of your unit is to review the contents every few months. You may find that there are items you no longer need and can be disposed of, things that you can now take back home or you might find extra space that you are not fully using.
This helps you take full advantage of your unit and ensures that you’re only storing what actually adds value. If your needs change, Simple Self Store offers the flexibility to upsize or downsize your unit, ensuring you always have the right amount of space.
Make Your Storage Work for You
Self storage isn’t just a place to keep your things; it’s a flexible space that should work around your needs. Whether you’re between homes, having a clear out, or starting to run a small business, using your unit properly can save you time, stress, and money.
By following these tips for self storage, both before and after you move in, you’d get far more value from your space and avoid common pitfalls. From planning and packing to organising and managing your unit, each step plays a huge part in creating a smooth and stress-free storage experience.
We’re committed to making storage easy, flexible, and secure. With a range of unit sizes, convenient 9am-9pm daily access, secure app-based entry, and a supportive team ready to help, you can store with complete confidence.
Find the right storage solution for you today with Simple Self Store and discover just how simple storage can be.
